Even though Floridians approved medical cannabis in 2016 and more than a dozen cities, counties, and towns have decriminalized possession of small amounts, cannabis remains a controlled substance under Florida statute. A strong majority of voters believe cannabis should be legal for adults. Yet HB 95 would move in the opposite direction by imposing extreme penalties for “possession with intent to distribute” within 1,000 feet of healthcare facilities. This would disproportionately impact densely populated, urban centers where many of Florida’s healthcare facilities are located. Increased sentencing based solely on proximity to certain properties has proven to do little to enhance public safety and instead disproportionately impacts residents of urban centers and communities of color. I urge you to vote “NO” on HB 0095 or amend it to exempt cannabis from its provisions.

A 2020 University of North Florida Public Opinion Lab and First Coast News poll found 64% of voters support legalizing cannabis for adults. But shockingly, the House of Representatives is about to move in the opposite direction. HB 95 would dramatically increase penalties for “possession with intent to distribute” cannabis and other drugs near health centers. It would also charge a person with murder if they provided someone with cannabis who later died. Although cannabis doesn’t cause fatal overdoses, this could apply to those who are irresponsibly under the influence. Imagine being charged with murder for giving a friend a bottle of whiskey for their birthday. Please oppose HB 95 or at least work to remove cannabis from it.